Side Supported Foldable Panel Arrangement

ABSTRACT

A side supported foldable panel arrangement for mounting on a workpiece, including at least a panel frame and at least a foldable support frame. The panel frame is pivotally and rotatably mounted to the workpiece. The foldable support frame is arranged for folding the panel frame between a stowed state in which the panel frame is folded to overlap with the foldable support frame and a deployed state in which the panel frame is unfolded to be sideward supported by the workplace and also supported by the foldable support frame which is supported by an environment supporting surface.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This is a regular application that claims the benefit of priority under35 U.S.C. §119 to a provisional application, application No. 61/715,822,filed on Oct. 18, 2012.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files orrecords, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable functional arrangement, andmore particularly to a side supported foldable panel arrangement whichis arranged for folding between a stowed state and a deployed state. Theinvention comprises at least a panel extended sideward from a wall, apole, an environment supporting surface, and a supporting arrangementprovided for supporting the panel in the deployed state. The panelarrangement is capable of using gravity help for storing and deployinginstead of using heavy springs to help with movements, so that the panelarrangement feels very lightweight even if is quite heavy and is alsoconvenient and safe to use because the panel arrangement can stop movingwhen no one is pushing or pulling, and can continue with very littleforce,

2. Description of Related Arts

Foldable functional arrangements such as foldable tables, foldablechairs and foldable beds are advantageous in that they are convenient touse and easy to store. A typical foldable functional arrangementcomprises a panel arrangement and a folding arrangement for foldingbetween a folded state and an unfolded state. Accordingly, when thefoldable arrangement is in the unfolded state, the folding arrangementprovides a support for the panel arrangement so that the panelarrangement is used for supporting items thereon or other uses. When thefoldable arrangement is in the folded state, the foldable arrangement isoverlappedly aligned with the panel arrangement to form a compactstructure, so that the whole foldable panel arrangement is easy to storeand saves space.

However, a special storage space is still required to provide a shelterfor the foldable functional arrangement. For example, a conventionalfoldable table is folded into a compact structure and is stored in adesignated place. When in use, the foldable table is then taken out ortransferred to a desired place for application. In other words, movefrom one place to another place is actually time-consuming and requiresa significant effort. A foldable table that is already in the desireposition would eliminate this unnecessary time and effort.

In addition, a typical foldable functional arrangement, such as afoldable table, generally comprises a panel and a plurality of foldablelegs that can fold between a stowed state and a deployed state.Accordingly, the pluralities of foldable legs are independent of eachother and each of them is used to support one portion of the panel. Forinstance, a foldable table may comprise a tabletop and two or fourfoldable legs supporting four corners of the tabletop. This structure isfragile and can deform easily when a relatively large pressing force isapplied on the table top. That is because the support is mainlyconcentrated on the four corners or two lateral sides, but the centralportion of the tabletop lacks support and thus the support is uneven andeasily damageable.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement comprising a panel frame, which is movablymounted to a workpiece, and a foldable support frame that can foldbetween a stowed state and a deployed state. In the stowed state, thepanel is folded to align with the workpiece, wherein in the deployedstate, the panel frame, which is supported by the foldable supportframe, is sideward supported by the workpiece so that a rigid and stablestructure is formed for the foldable panel arrangement to perform itsfunction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the structure of the foldable panelarrangement is suitable for many uses such as a foldable bed, a foldabletable, a foldable desk, a foldable chair, or solar panels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the foldable support frame comprisesof one or more support members pivotally and movably connected to abottom surface of the panel arrangement. These members support the panelarrangement in the deployed state and since a side of the foldable panelarrangement is supported by this workpiece, the panel can be away fromthis side supported side; thus the locations of the support members canbe optimized to provide a rigid and stable support.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supportedfoldable panel arrangement where, unlike in conventional art wheresupport elements would provide separate support functions, thesupporting elements of the foldable support frame of the presentinvention are correlated with each other, so as to distribute forcesapplied on the panel. In other words, the plurality of supportingelements serves as a whole to provide a support to the panel frame, sothat a more stable support is provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the workpiece can be a wall, asingle pole, or a corner, so that the installation is easy and theapplication of the foldable panel arrangement is broadened.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the panel frame is movably mountedto the workpiece and is capable of providing a wide range of rotationangles, and a variety of configuration patterns of the foldable panelarrangement in the deployed state are provided. For example, when theworkpiece is a single pole, even a 360 rotation can be provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the panel frame may comprise asingle panel, or a plurality of panels which are rotatably connected toone another. When the panel frame comprises a plurality of panels, thepluralities of panels are folded to overlap with each other in thestowed state to save room. In addition, a retaining mechanism betweenthe panels may be provided to ensure the secure attachment between thepluralities of panels; for example, the retaining mechanism can be amagnetic.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the connection between the panel andthe support members, or the connection between two support members isrespectively achieved by a stopper; therefore, the stability of thefoldable panel arrangement in the two states is ensured by the stoppers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein the foldable support frame can beformed with a stable triangular support frame, created by the pluralityof support members, when the foldable panel is in the deployed state.Consequently, the secure support for the panel frame by the foldablesupport frame is guaranteed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supported,foldable panel arrangement, wherein suitable braces or stoppers betweenthe support members and panels may be employed to enable the foldablepanel arrangement to retain a position between the stowed state and thedeployed state. In other words, the foldable panel arrangement can befixed at a position between the stowed state and deployed state.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, wherein a slide arrangement is used forguiding the panel frame to move away or towards the workpiece, whereinthe slide arrangement can be fixed angle wheels, rotating wheels,motorized wheels, wheels on tracks, rollers, slides, or even floatingpontoons so that the foldable panel arrangement may be used on water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, wherein a docking station is provided todetachably attach the side supported foldable panel arrangement so as tostore more foldable panel arrangements in a small area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, wherein the panel frame can perform as aself-standing frame via supporting by the foldable support frame withoutsupporting by the workpiece W, which is unfolded and is supported by anenvironment supporting surface S.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, wherein no complicated structure is requiredand the costs are also low so that the foldable panel arrangement iseconomical, and thus is suitable for a wide range of use.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparentfrom the description which follows, and may be realized by means of theinstrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appendedclaims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects andadvantages are attained by a side supported, foldable panel arrangementfor mounting on a workpiece comprising at least a panel frame and atleast a foldable support frame. The panel frame is pivotally androtatably mounted to the workpiece. The foldable support frame isarranged for folding the panel frame between a stowed state, in whichthe panel frame is folded to overlap with the foldable support frame,and a deployed state, in which the panel frame is unfolded to besideward supported by the workpiece, and also supported by the foldablesupport frame, which is supported by an environment supporting surface.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1E are sectional views illustrating a foldable panelarrangement folding between a stowed state and a deployed stateaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2E are sectional views illustrating a foldable panelarrangement folding between a stowed state and a deployed stateaccording to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A to 3B are perspective views of a foldable panel arrangementaccording to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3C to 3E are sectional views of the foldable panel arrangementaccording to the above third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4A to 4B are perspective views illustrating a foldable panelarrangement according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4C to 4E are sectional views of the foldable panel arrangementaccording to the above fourth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are perspective views illustrating a foldable panelarrangement according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5D to 5F are sectional views of the foldable panel arrangementaccording to the above fifth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A to 6B are perspective views illustrating the rotation operationof a foldable panel arrangement according to a sixth preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A to 7H are schematic views illustrating the rotation operationaround a corner of a foldable panel arrangement according to a seventhpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A to 8H are sectional views illustrating the folding operation ofa foldable panel arrangement according to an eighth preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are sectional views of a foldable panel arrangementaccording to a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A to 10C are schematic views illustrating a stopper for thefoldable panel arrangement of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A to 11C are schematic views illustrating an alternative mode ofthe stopper for the foldable panel arrangement of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A to 2C are schematic views illustrating another alternativemode of the stopper for the foldable panel arrangement of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 13A to 13B are sectional views illustrating a structure of thesupporting arrangement of the panel arrangement of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 14A to 14B are sectional views illustrating an alternativestructure of the supporting arrangement of the panel arrangement of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 15A to 15B are sectional views illustrating another alternativestructure of the supporting arrangement of the panel arrangement of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 16A to 16B are sectional views illustrating another alternativestructure of the supporting arrangement of the panel arrangement of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 17A to 17E are sectional views illustrating a foldable panelarrangement folding between a stowed state and a deployed stateaccording to a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18A to 18D are sectional views illustrating more foldable panelarrangements stacking up together via detachable docking stationsaccording to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the present invention. Preferable embodimentsare provided in the following description only as examples andmodifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The generalprinciples defined in the following description would be applied toother embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, andapplications without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1E of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement, which is abasic configuration of the present invention, comprises a panel frame 10and a foldable support frame 20 folding between a stowed state and adeployed state. The panel frame 10 is rotatably mounted to a workpieceW. When the foldable panel arrangement is in the stowed state, thefoldable support frame 20 is folded to direct the panel frame 10 torotate with respect to the workpiece W so as to overlappedly align withthe workpiece W. When the foldable panel arrangement is in the deployedstate, the panel frame 10 is side supported by the workpiece W and isalso supported by the foldable support frame 20 which is unfolded and issupported by an environment supporting surface S.

Accordingly, the panel frame 10 is supported both in the side directionand the vertical direction, so that a pressing force applied on thepanel frame 10 can be respectively delivered to the workpiece W, theenvironment supporting surface S along the body of the panel frame 10,and the foldable support frame 20 in the deployed state.

The panel frame 10 may comprises a plurality of panels 11 rotatablyconnected to one another. According to this preferred embodiment, thepanel frame 10 comprises a first panel 111 and a second panel 112 whichis rotatably connected to the first panel 111. The first panel 111 issideward supported by the workpiece W. For instance, the first panel 111is pivotally and rotatably extended from the workpiece W. The pivotalmovement between the first panel 111 and the second panel 112 enablesthe second panel 112 to be folded to overlap with the first panel 111 inthe stowed state. Accordingly, in the stowed state, the first panel 111is rotated to be parallelly aligned with the workpiece W, as shown inFIG. 1E of the drawings.

FIGS. 1B to 1D illustrate the operation of folding the foldable panelarrangement from the deployed state to the stowed state. As illustratedin the drawings, the folding operation is achieved by the foldablesupport frame 20. Accordingly, the foldable support frame 20 comprises aplurality of support members 21 pivotally and rotatably connected to thepanel frame 10 for folding between the stowed state and the deployedstate.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefoldable support frame 20 comprises two support members 21 rotatably andpivotally connected to the first panel 111 and the second panel 112,respectively. Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1E of the drawings, a first endof each of the support members 21 is rotatably and pivotally connectedto the first panel 111 or the second panel 112, and a second end thereofis connected to a slide arrangement 22 which is sliding on theenvironment supporting surface S when the foldable panel arrangementshifts between the stowed state and the deployed state. As illustratedin the drawings, when the foldable panel arrangement moves from thestowed state to the deployed state, the slide arrangement 22 slides awayfrom the workpiece on the environment supporting surface S. When thefoldable panel arrangement moves from the deployed state to the stowedstate, the slide arrangement 22 slides toward the workpiece on theenvironment supporting surface S.

Accordingly, the plurality of support members 21 are used to verticallysupport the panel frame 10 in the deployed state, as shown in FIG. 1A ofthe drawings. The pressing force applied on the panel frame 10 isdistributed and transferred along the two support members 21 to theenvironment supporting surface S.

Since one side of the foldable panel arrangement is connected to theworkpiece W, the foldable panel arrangement receives sideward supportfrom the workpiece W when in the deployed state. According to a foldabletable arrangement of a conventional art, both sides of the foldablepanel arrangement are supported by legs. However, the first panel 111 isdirectly supported by the workpiece W, and thus this approximate sideadjacent to the workpiece W need not be directly and verticallysupported by support members H. In other words, the foldable supportframe can be provided at a short distance away from the approximate sideadjacent to the first panel 111, which is connected to the workpiece W,and the support can be concentrated on a substantial central area of thefoldable panel arrangement. Accordingly, the pressing force applied onthe panel frame 10 can be more evenly distributed with configuration ofthe foldable support frame 20 of the present invention. It is worth tomentioning that the two support members 21 actually forma substantialtriangular support frame structure below the pane frame 10 in thedeployed state, so that a stable support is enhanced. Also, the twosupport members 21 are connected to each other, so that when thefoldable panel arrangement is in the deployed state, further pivotalmovement is inhibited. Referring to FIG. 1A of the drawings, one of thetwo support members 21 stands vertically in the deployed state, and apivotal movement towards the distal side of the panel frame isprevented.

Accordingly, the foldable panel arrangement is mounted on the workpieceat a height H1. One of the support member 21, which is at a distal sideaway from the workpiece W, has the approximate height H1 so that whenthe foldable panel arrangement is in the deployed state, the panel frame10 is straightly extended from the workpiece W and the surfaces of thefirst panel 111 and the second panel 112 are coplanar with each other.In other words, the first panel 111 and the second panel 112 are in thesame horizontal level.

It is worth mentioning that according to this preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the first panel 111 has a length H2 and thesecond panel 112 has a length H3 which is larger than the first panel111. The length H3 is equal to the sum of the length H2 of the firstpanel 111 and the height H1 of the support member 21, so that when inthe stowed state, the second panel 112 is overlappedly folded towardsthe first panel 111 and the workpiece W in an end-to-end manner, asshown in FIG. 1E of the drawings.

The support members 21 are made of rigid material such as wood or metal.The detail preferred structure of the support members 21 will bedescribed in the following disclosure with reference to the drawings.Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, one of the support members 21is provided for standing on the supporting surface S and another supportmember 21 is used for provide back support.

It is worth mentioning that the panel frame 10 is not required to be onthe workpiece W at a single location, a sliding guide channel may beproved in the workpiece W so that the position of the panel frame 10 canbe positioned at any location along the sliding guide channel.Similarly, when the length of the support members 21 can be adjusted,the panel frame 21 can be mounted in a height sliding channel so thatthe height of the foldable panel arrangement can also be adjusted.

It is still worth mentioning that the foldable panel arrangement of thepresent invention can be suitable for many uses such as a foldable bed,a foldable table, a foldable desk, a foldable chair, solar panels, orother large scale objects such as a wind barrier for a single familyhome which can be nice deck attached to the home and can be stove at anangle deflecting hurricane winds, a temporary bridge, a display panel.In oilier words, the structure of the present invention can beincorporated into a wide range of foldable functional arrangements. Forinstance, according to this preferred embodiment, the foldable panelarrangement is a foldable table. The panel frame 10 is embodied as atabletop frame and the support members 21 are embodied as support legsof the tabletop frame.

The term “workpiece” is referred to a wall, a surface, a single pole, orthe like and as long as the panel frame 10 can be mounted thereon. Theterm“workpiece” can also be referred to a movable cart (toolbox) and arecreational vehicle. The term “environment supporting surface” isreferred to a surface for the foldable support frame 20 to stand thereon which can be a ground surface, a floor, a track that can deployframes to follow specific path, or any surface easy to slide such assnow or even water.

Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2E of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement according tothis preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a panelframe 10A and a foldable support frame 20A able to fold between a stowedstate and a deployed state. The panel frame 10A is rotatably mounted toa workpiece W. When the foldable panel arrangement is in the stowedstate, the foldable support frame 20A is folded to direct the panelframe 10A to rotate with respect to the workpiece W so as tooverlappedly align with the workpiece W. When the foldable panelarrangement is in the deployed state, the panel frame 10A is sidesupported by the workpiece W and is also supported by the foldablesupport frame 20A which is unfolded and is supported by an environmentsupporting surfaces.

The structure of the foldable panel arrangement according to thispreferred embodiment is similar to the structure of the above preferredembodiment, the difference is that for a longer configuration, moresupport members 21A and more panels 11A can be added. More particularly,in this preferred embodiment, the panel frame 10A comprises two panels11A, i.e. first panel 111A and second panel 112A, pivotally androtatably connected at a pivot hinge 12A. The foldable support frame 20Acomprises a first support member 211A, pivotally and rotatably connectedto the pivot hinge 12A, a second support member 212A, pivotally androtatably connected to the second panel 112A and spacedly aligned withthe first support member 211A, and a third support member 213A having afirst end pivotally and rotatably connected to the first panel 111A anda second end connected to the second support member 212A via a slidearrangement 22A.

In addition, a control lever 23A is pivotally and rotatably connectedbetween the first support member 211A and the second support member 212Ato further enhance the stability of the support of the panel frame 21Avia the first support member 211A and the second support member 212A.

It is thus recognizable that when more panels 11A are employed,correspondingly more support members 21A of the foldable support frame20A are added, so that a length of the foldable panel arrangement can beadjusted according to the actual requirement.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3B of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement comprises apanel frame 10B and a foldable support frame 20B. The panel frame 10Bcomprises two panels 11B, i.e. a first panel 111B, and a second panel112B. The foldable support frame 20B comprises two support members 21B,which are a first support member 211B, and a second support member 212B.

Referring to FIG. 3B of the drawings, upper ends of the first supportmember 211B and the second support member 212B are pivotally androtatably connected to the first panel 111B and the second panel 112B,respectively. A lower end 2111B of the first support member 211B isrotatably connected to a lower portion 2121B of the second supportmember 212B. The slide arrangement 22B is directly connected to thelower end 2122B of the second support member 212B.

As shown in FIG. 3B of the drawings, the second support member 212Bfurther comprises two support legs 2120B spacedly and parallelly alignedwith each other. The lower end 2111B of the first support member 211B isrotatably connected between the two support legs 2120B via a rivet,screw, or the like. The slide arrangement 22B comprises a wheel arm 221Band two wheels 222B connected to both ends of the wheel arm 221B. Thelower ends 2122B of the two support legs 2120B of the second supportmember 212B are respectively connected to the wheel arm 221B. Thus whenthe two wheels slide on the environment supporting surface toward oraway from the workpiece W, the support members 211B and 212B are guidedto fold or unfold the panel frame 10B between the stowed state and thedeployed state, as shown in FIGS. 3C to 3E of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 4A to 4B of the drawings, the foldable panelarrangement of this fourth preferred embodiment of the present inventionis similar to the foldable arrangement of the above third preferredembodiment. The foldable panel arrangement comprises a panel frame 10Cand a foldable support frame 20C. The panel frame 10C comprises only apanel 11C, i.e. the first panel 111B, and the second panel 112B in theabove third preferred embodiment are substituted by a single integralpanel 11C.

As shown in FIG. 4B of the drawings, the foldable support frame 20Ccomprises a first support member 211C, having a first end pivotally androtatably connected to the panel 11C and a second end pivotally androtatably connected to the workpiece W, a second support member 212C,pivotally and rotatably connected to the panel 11C, and a control lever23C rotatably extended between the first support member 211C and thesecond support member 212C.

Accordingly, the first support member 211C comprises two first supportlegs 2110C spacedly and parallelly aligned with each other. The secondsupport member 212C comprises two second support legs 2120C spacedly andparallelly aligned with each other. The two ends of the control lever23C are respectively connected between the two first support legs 2110Cand two second support legs 2120C.

Referring to FIG. 4B of the drawings, when the foldable panelarrangement is in the deployed state, the second support member 212Cvertically supports the panel 11C, while the first support member 211Cis substantially parallel to the panel 11C and the control lever 23C isused to retain and enhance the second support member 212C in position.

Referring to FIGS. 4C to 4E of the drawings, when moving from thedeployed state to the stowed state, the approximate side adjacent to theworkpiece W can be lifted up and the foldable support frame 20C ishidden behind the panel 11C when in the stowed state.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement also has a onepanel configuration similar with the above fourth preferred embodimentexcept the foldable support frame 20D.

Accordingly, the foldable support frame 20D comprises a first supportmember 211D, having a first end pivotally and rotatably connected to thepanel 11D, a second support member 212D, having a first end pivotallyand rotatably connected to the panel 11D, a third support member 213D,having a first end rotatably connected to a body portion of the secondsupport member 212D, and a second end arranged for standing on theenvironment supporting surfaces in the deployed state. The second end ofthe first support member 211D is connected to a body portion of thethird support member 213D. The slide arrangement 22D of this preferredembodiment is connected to the third support member 213D.

More specifically, the second support member 212D comprises two secondsupport legs 2120D parallelly and spacedly connected to the panel 11D. Asupport stand 2121D is extended from each second end of the secondsupport member 212D. The third support member 213D comprise a pair ofthird support legs 2130D and the second end of the first support member211D is connected between the pair of third support legs 2130D, as shownin FIG. 5B of the drawings.

Accordingly, the third support member 213D is vertically standing on theenvironment supporting surfaces while the second support member issubstantially extended parallelly to the panel 11D when the foldablepanel arrangement is in the deployed state. It is worth mentioning thatthe panel 11D is rotatably mounted to a workpiece W which can beembodied as two poles W1. Height of two poles W1 are equal to a lengthof the third support member 213D. The two poles W1 also serve to supportthe panel 11D when the foldable panel arrangement is in the deployedstate.

This configuration may work well as an unloading device, and articlesstocked on the top surface can be slide out when the panel 11D istilted. Referring to FIGS. 5D to 5F of the drawings, when moving fromthe deployed state to the stowed state, the panel 11D is lifted up andattached to the workpiece W, which also may be embodied as a wall.Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, if the workpiece W is a wall,the top surface of the panel 11D can be attached to the wall and ishidden behind the foldable support frame 20D, so that the top surface ofthe panel frame 10D is kept from dust.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement comprises apanel frame 10E, a foldable support frame 20E, and a retaining frame30E.

Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, the panel frame 10E isconnected to the workpiece W via the retaining frame 30E. Moreparticularly, the retaining frame 30E comprises a retaining arm 31Econnected to the workpiece W and a connecting arm 32E vertically androtatably extended from the retaining arm 31E. The panel frame 10E canbe pivotally and rotatably connected to the connecting arm 32E.Accordingly, the panel frame 10E comprises a first panel 111E and asecond panel 112E, rotatably connected to the first panel 11E. The firstpanel 111E is pivotally and rotatably connected to the connecting arm32E. The retaining frame 30E may further comprise a control arm 33E,having a first end pivotally and rotatably connected to a body portionof the retaining arm 31E, and a second end connected to a body portionof the connecting arm 32E to enhance the stability of the retainingframe 30E. It is worth mentioning that when the single pole connectionis introduced, the pole connection can be made at any locations ratherthan the corner shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B of the drawings, such as in themiddle of edge of the first panel 111E.

According to this preferred embodiment, the panel frame 10E is connectedto the workpiece W via the retaining frame 30E. When moving from thedeployed state to the stowed state, the two panels 111E and 112E arelifted up to overlappedly folded with each other. The entire piece canthen rotate with respect to the retaining arm 31E to overlap with theworkpiece W.

Referring to FIG. 6B of the drawings, when the foldable panelarrangement is in the deployed state, the connecting arm 32E and thecontrol arm 33E rotates with respect to the retaining arm 31E to guidethe deployed panel frame 10E to rotate with respect to the retaining arm31E. In other words, the panel frame 10E can be provided with a 180°angle of rotation.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7H of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement has a structuresimilar to the above preferred embodiment of the present inventionexcept that foldable panel arrangement is provided at a corner, so thatan even wider range of angle of rotation can be provided for thefoldable panel arrangement both in the stowed state and the deployedstate. For example, a 270° angle of rotation for the panel frame 10F isprovided.

It is recognized that when the workpiece W is a single pole, a 360°angle of rotation for the foldable panel arrangement also can beprovided.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8H of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. Two foldable panel arrangements are providedat two sides of a workpiece W. In other words, two foldable panelarrangements are side supported by the same workpiece W.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8D of the drawings, one of the two foldablepanel arrangements is folded from the deployed state to the stowedstate, and the folding operation is the same as above preferredembodiments. Referring FIGS. 8E to 8H of the drawings, the other of thetwo foldable panel arrangements can also be folded from the deployedstate to the stowed state, so that the two panel frames 10G of the twofoldable panel arrangements can both be folded toward the workpiece Wwith can be embodied as a single pole.

It is worth mentioning that each of the two foldable panel arrangementsmay comprise different types of panel frames which can be attached atsame time. For example, a solar panel on one side and a table onopposite side. All of the panel frames can rotate together. When the twofoldable panel arrangements are mounted to a corner, each of the twofoldable panel arrangements can rotate separately.

Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9C of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. Accordingly, the operation of foldable panelarrangement may require different stops, locks, and the like. There arefive locations A, B, C, D wherein they can be used, i.e. a locationbetween two separate panels, B, locations between the panel frame 10Hand the foldable support frame 20H,A, D, a location between two supportmembers 211H and 212H of the foldable support frame 20H,C, and alocation at the front edge of a front panel 111H,A.

According to this preferred embodiment, the panel frame 10H comprises arear panel 111H and the front panel 112H rotatably connected to the rearpanel 111H at location B. The foldable support frame 20H comprises twosupport members 211H and 212H. The support member 212H severs as a legstanding on a environment supporting surface S in the deployed state andthe support member 211H severs as a back support to prevent the furthermovement of the leg 212H.

It is worth mentioning that the panel arrangement 10H further comprisesa detachable retaining arrangement 14H for retaining the two panels 111Hand 112H in position in the stowed state. Accordingly, the rear (first)panel 11H comprises a first retaining member 141H and the front (second)panel 112H comprises a corresponding second retaining member 142Hdetachably coupled with the first 141H. The first retaining member 141Hcan be engaged with the second retaining member 142H in a tongue-groovemanner, key/numeric lock manner, or coupled with each other by magneticattracting force.

For example, the first retaining member 141H is a magnet while thesecond retaining member 142H is a metal of magnetic attracting ability,or the first retaining member 141H is a metal of magnetic attractingability while the second retaining member 142H is a magnet, or the firstretaining member 141H and the second retaining members 142H are bothmagnets but having different polarities, so that when in the stowedstate, the rear panel 111H is magnetically attracted to the front panel112H, so that a secure assembly in the stowed state is achieved.

FIGS. 10A to 10C, 11A to 11C, and 12A to 12C illustrate three kinds ofstoppers 40 that can be used for the pivotal movement between two panelsof the panel frame 10. The stopper 40 at this location needs to allow arotation therebetween and also prevent further movement when in thedeployed state. Top edges of two panels may provide this stop, but forsome applications (such as a table), this will create “finger cutter”danger. According to the drawings, the two panels (front and rear panelsor first and second panels) are spacedly apart from each other (creatinga gap) and the stoppers are used for the connection therebetween.

As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C of the drawings, the stopper 40 comprisestwo mounting members 41 and 42 spacedly and respectively mounted on twopanels 111 and 112 of the panel frame 10, two hinge members 43 and 44hinged with each other at a first hinge point 45 and are respectivelyconnected to the two mounting members 41 and 42, and two hinge arm 46and 47, which are hinged at a second hinge point 48, rotatably connectedto the two hinge members 43 and 44 respectively. Thus when the foldablepanel arrangement is moved from the deployed state to the stowed state,the two mounting members 41 and 42 are guided by the two hinge members43 and 44, and the two hinge arms 46 and 47 are to be folded to overlapwith each other, as shown in FIG. 10C of the drawings. Accordingly, thisstopper 40 is keeping and aligning the two panels 111 and 112 in such amanner that when the foldable panel arrangement is in the deployedstate, both surfaces of the two panels 111 and 112 are at the sameplane, so that a user cannot change this by pushing in this location. Inother words, this lock mechanism only locks the two panels in thedeployed state.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C of the drawings, the stopper 40 mayfurther comprise a holding clip 49 for locking the two mounting member41 and 42, and thus the stability of the foldable panel arrangement inthe stowed state and the deployed state can be ensured.

It is recognizable that sometimes, a fixing ability at an angle between0 and 180° may be required. In this respect, a stopper 40 illustrated inFIGS. 12A to 12C is introduced. As shown in the drawings, the stopper 40may further comprise a hinge control 49A having a sliding channel 491A.The two hinge arms 46 and 47 are hinged by a control member 492A thatcan fasten or release the hinge between the two hinge arms 46 and 47.The hinge control also has an end connected to the first hinge point 43of the two mounting members 41 and 42. When the control member 492Aslides in the sliding channel 491A and is fixed to a predeterminedlocation along the siding channel 491A, a corresponding retaining anglebetween 0 and 180° for the two panels 111 and 112 can be provided.Accordingly, this stopper 40 allows setting the two panels 111 and 112at any angle between the stowed state and the deployed state.

Referring to FIGS. 13A to 13B of the drawings, as a modification of thefoldable panel arrangement of foldable panel according to the firstpreferred embodiment. Another hinge support member 213 is pivotallyconnected to the hinge connection between the two panels 111 and 112 ofthe panel frame 10, wherein the hinge support member 213 is attached tothe first support member 211 which acts as a back support member.Furthermore, a lever 214 is provided between the first support member211 and the hinge support member 213. When the foldable panelarrangement is in the deployed state, the lever 214 is used for lockingthe foldable panel arrangement in position. It is worth mentioning thatthe lever 214 may comprise a handle 215 for carrying out the operation.In other words, when in the deployed state, the handle 215 is turned todrive the lever 214 to lock the foldable panel arrangement in position.

Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14B of the drawings, as an alternative mode ofthe above preferred embodiment, a motorized threaded rod 213′ may beintroduced. The motorized threaded rod 213′ can be an electric orhydraulic motor device that can automatically deploy stowed panel framesand also can work as a stopper in any position. It is worth mentioningthat different methods can be employed for the motorized support frame20.

Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15D of the drawings, a brace 50 is employed toretain the foldable panel arrangement in the two states or at any anglebetween them. Accordingly, the brace 50 comprises a first brace member51 rotatably connected to the slide arrangement 22 or support member 21,and a second brace 52, which is hinged with the first brace member 51 ata brace hinge point 53, rotatably connected to a distal portion or edgeof the panel frame 10 (such as an outer edge of the second panel 112).

Referring to FIGS. 16A to 16B of the drawings, for a foldablearrangement only require for fixing in two states, especially thedeployed state. The panel frame 10 comprises a retaining mechanism 60comprising a first fixing member 61 and a second fixing member 62respectively provided on the two panels 111 and 112 of the panel frame10. Accordingly, the retaining mechanism 60 can be embodied in atongue-groove manner or a regular sliding latch. For example, when thefoldable panel arrangement is in the deployed state, a first fixingmember 61 may be inserted into a hole in the second fixing member 62 sothat the two panels 111 and 112 can be firmly fixed and locked with eachother.

Referring to FIGS. 17A to 17E of the drawings, a foldable panelarrangement according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. The foldable panel arrangement according tothis preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a panelframe 10I and a foldable support frame 20I able to fold between a stowedstate and a deployed state. The structure of the foldable panelarrangement according to this preferred embodiment is similar to thestructure of the first preferred embodiment, and the difference is thatfor allowing moving around the foldable panel arrangement withoutsupporting by the workpiece W.

The panel frame 10I comprises two panels 11I, i.e. first panel 111I andsecond panel 112I. The foldable support frame 20I comprises a firstsupport member 211I, pivotally and rotatably connected to the firstpanel 111I, a second support member 212A, pivotally and rotatablyconnected to the second panel 112A and spacedly aligned with the firstsupport member 211A, a third support member 213I having a first endpivotally and rotatably connected to the first panel 111I and a secondend connected to the second support member 212I via a first slidearrangement 22I, and a fourth support member 214I having a first endpivotally and rotatably connected to the first panel 111I and a secondend connected to the second support member 212I via a second slidearrangement 221I.

As shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, the panel frame 10I is detachablyattached on a workpiece W. A docking station 70 is fixedly mounted onthe workpiece W at a height that is equal to the height of the firstsupport member 211I and the height of the second support member 212I.The upper end of the first support member 211I is selectively attachedon the docking station 70 so as to fixedly attach the foldable panelarrangement on the workpiece. When the upper end of the first supportmember 211I is detached from the docking station, the foldable panelarrangement is able to move around via the first slide arrangement 22Iand the second slide arrangement 221I, such that the first slidearrangement 22I and the second sliding arrangement 221I are sliding onthe environment supporting surface S at the same time.

Accordingly, the first support member 211I and the second support member212I are vertically standing on the environment supporting surface Swhile the foldable panel arrangement is in the deployed state. Thepressing force applied on the panel frame 10I is distributed andtransferred along the first support member 211I and the second supportmember 212I to the environment supporting surface S. In addition, thethird support member 213I and the fourth support member 214I are able toenhance the stability of the support of the panel frame 10I via thefirst support member 211I and the second support member 212I. Therefore,when the foldable panel arrangement is in the deployed state, the panelframe 10I can perform as a self-standing frame via supporting by thefoldable support frame 20I without supporting by the workpiece W, whichis unfolded and is supported by an environment supporting surface S. Inaddition, the foldable arrangement

In addition, when the foldable panel arrangement moves from the deployedstate to the stowed state, the first slide arrangement 22I and thesecond slide arrangement 221I slides toward the workpiece W on theenvironment supporting surface S, such that the first support member211I is slides towards the workpiece W, in such manner that the upperend of the first support member 211I is attached on the docking station70, as shown in FIG. 17B. When the foldable panel arrangement is in thestowed state, the foldable support frame 20I is folded to direct thepanel frame 10 to rotate with respect to the workpiece W so as tooverlappedly align with the workpiece W, as shown in FIGS. 17C to 17E.

Referring to FIGS. 18A to 18D of the drawings, the docking station 70 isdetachably coupled on the foldable panel arrangement. Tow or even moreof the foldable panel arrangements are folded from the deployed state tothe stowed state, and stacked up together in the stowed state via thedetachable docking station 70. One of the foldable panel arrangement issliding towards the workpiece W in the deployed state, and then thedocking station 70 is detachably coupled on the outermost foldable panelarrangement which have been stacked up together via the detachabledocking station 70 on the workpiece W, such that one of the foldablepanel arrangement is able to attach with the outermost foldable panelarrangement via the docking station 70 thereon, and then moves from thedeployed state to the stowed state for overlapping with the outmostfoldable panel arrangement. Therefore, more foldable panel arrangementscan be overlappedly stacked up together in the stowed state bydetachably coupling the docking station 70 thereon.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in the drawings and described above isexemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have beenfully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown anddescribed for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structuralprinciples of the present invention and is subject to change withoutdeparture from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes allmodifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A side supported foldable panel arrangement formounting on a workpiece, comprising: at least a panel frame pivotallyand rotatably mounted to the workpiece, and at least a foldable supportframe arranged for folding said panel frame between a stowed state inwhich said panel frame is folded to overlap with said foldable supportframe and a deployed state in which said panel frame is unfolded to besideward supported by the workpiece and also supported by said foldablesupport frame which is supported by an environment supporting surface.2. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 1,wherein said foldable support frame comprises a plurality of supportmembers pivotally and rotatably connected to said panel frame, whereinsaid plurality of support members are unfolded to support said panelframe in said deployed state.
 3. The side supported foldable panelarrangement, as recited in claim 2, wherein said panel frame comprises asingle panel.
 4. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, asrecited in claim 2, wherein said panel frame comprises two or morepanels which are respectively connected to said foldable support frame.5. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 4,wherein said panel frame comprises a first panel and a second panelrotatably connected to said first panel.
 6. The side supported foldablepanel arrangement, as recited in claim 2, wherein said foldable supportframe further comprises a slide arrangement, wherein first ends of saidsupport members are rotatably and pivotally connected to said firstpanel and said second panel respectively, and second ends thereof areconnected to said slide arrangement, wherein when said foldable panelarrangement moves from said stowed state to said deployed state, saidslide arrangement slides away from the workpiece on the environmentsupporting surface, wherein when said foldable panel arrangement movesfrom said deployed state to said stowed state, said slide arrangementslides toward the workpiece on the environment supporting surface. 7.The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 6,wherein said foldable panel arrangement is mounted on the workpiece at afirst height, one of said support members which is at a distal side awayfrom the workpiece has a substantial same first height, wherein whensaid foldable panel arrangement is in said deployed state, said panelframe is straightly extended from the workpiece and said first panel andsaid second panel are in a same horizontal level.
 8. The side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 7, wherein said firstpanel has a second length and said second panel has a third length iswhich is larger than said second length, wherein said third length isequal to a sum of said second length of said first panel and said firstheight of said support member which is at a distal side away from theworkpiece.
 9. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recitedin claim 5, wherein said first panel and said second panel are pivotallyand rotatably connected with each other at a pivot hinge, wherein saidplurality of support member comprises a first support member pivotallyand rotatably connected to said pivot hinge, a second support memberpivotally and rotatably connected to said second panel and spacedlyaligned with said first support member, a third support member having afirst end pivotally and rotatably connected to said first panel and asecond end connected to said second support member for preventingfurther pivot movement of said second support member in said deployedstate, and a control lever pivotally and rotatably connected betweensaid first support member and said second support member to furtherenhance a stability of a support of said panel frame via said firstsupport member and said second support member.
 10. The side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 9, wherein said foldablesupport frame further comprises a slide arrangement, wherein said secondend of said third support member is connected to said second supportmember via said slide arrangement.
 11. The side supported foldable panelarrangement, as recited in claim 5, wherein a lower end of said firstsupport member is rotatably connected to a lower portion of said secondsupport member, wherein said foldable support frame further comprises aslide arrangement which is directly connected to a lower end of saidsecond support member.
 12. The side supported foldable panelarrangement, as recited in claim 11, wherein said second support membercomprises two support legs spacedly and parallelly aligned with eachother, wherein said lower end of said first support member is rotatablyconnected between said two support legs.
 13. The side supported foldablepanel arrangement, as recited in claim 11, wherein said foldable supportframe further comprises a slide arrangement having a wheel arm and twowheels connected to two ends of said wheel arm, wherein lower ends ofsaid second support member are respectively connected to said wheel arm.14. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim3, wherein said foldable support frame comprises a first support memberhaving a first end pivotally and rotatably connected to said panel and asecond end pivotally and rotatably connected to the workpiece, a secondsupport member pivotally and rotatably connected to said panel, and acontrol lever rotatably extended between said first support member andsaid second support member.
 15. The side supported foldable panelarrangement, as recited in claim 14, wherein said first support membercomprises two first support legs spacedly and parallelly aligned witheach other, wherein said second support member comprises two secondsupport legs spacedly and parallelly aligned with each other, whereintwo ends of said control lever are respectively connected between saidtwo first support legs and two second support legs.
 16. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 3, whereinsaid foldable support frame comprises a first support member having afirst end pivotally and rotatably connected to said panel, a secondsupport member having a first end pivotally and rotatably connected tosaid panel, a third support member having a first end rotatablyconnected to a body portion of said second support member and a secondend arranged for standing on the environment supporting surface in saiddeployed state, and a slide arrangement connected to said third supportmember, wherein a second end of to said first support member isconnected to a body portion of said third support member, wherein saidthird support member is vertically standing on the environmentsupporting surface while said second support member is substantiallyextended parallelly to said panel when said foldable panel arrangementis in said deployed state.
 17. The side supported foldable panelarrangement, as recited in claim 16, wherein said second support membercomprises two second support legs spacedly and parallelly aligned witheach other, wherein said third support member comprises two thirdsupport legs spacedly and parallelly aligned with each other, whereinthe second end of the first support member is connected between said twothird support legs.
 18. The side supported foldable panel arrangement,as recited in claim 4, further comprising a retaining frame, whereinsaid retaining frame comprises a retaining arm connected to theworkpiece, and a connecting arm vertically and rotatably extended fromsaid retaining arm, wherein said panel frame is pivotally and rotatablyconnected to said connecting arm.
 19. The side supported foldable panelarrangement, as recited in claim 18, wherein said first panel ispivotally and rotatably connected to said connecting arm, wherein saidretaining frame further comprises a control arm having a first endpivotally and rotatably connected to a body portion of said retainingarm and a second end connected to a body portion of said connecting armto enhance said stability of said retaining frame.
 20. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid foldable panel arrangement is provided at a corner.
 21. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 1, wherein theworkpiece is a wall.
 22. The side supported foldable panel arrangement,as recited in claim 1, wherein the workpiece is a pole.
 23. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 4, to whereintwo panel frames are respectively provided at two sides of theworkpiece, and two corresponding foldable support frames arerespectively connected to said two panel frames, wherein said two panelframes are respectively sideward supported by the same workpiece. 24.The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 6,wherein said panel arrangement further comprises a detachable retainingarrangement for retaining said two panels in position in the stowedstate.
 25. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited inclaim 24, wherein said two panels comprise a first retaining member anda corresponding second retaining member respectively, wherein said firstretaining member is coupled with said second retaining member in amanner selected from a group consisting of a tongue-groove manner, keylock manner, numeric lock manner, and magnetic attracting manner. 26.The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 4,wherein said two or more panels is spacedly apart from each other andsaid panel frame further comprises a stopper provided between said twoadjacent panels, wherein said stopper comprises two mounting membersspacedly and respectively mounted on said two panels of said panelframe, two hinge members hinged with each other at a first hinge pointand are respectively connected to said two mounting members, and twohinge arm, which are hinged at a second hinge point, rotatably connectedto said two hinge members respectively, wherein when said foldable panelarrangement is moved from said deployed state to said stowed state, saidtwo mounting members are guided by said two hinge members, and said twohinge arms to be folded to overlap with each other.
 27. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 26, whereinsaid stopper further comprises a holding clip locking said mountingmembers and thus stability of said foldable panel arrangement in saidstowed state and said to deployed state is ensured.
 28. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 26, whereinsaid stopper further comprises a hinge control having a sliding channel,and a control member, wherein said two hinge arms are hinged by saidcontrol member which is capable of fastening and releasing a hingemovement between said two hinge arms, wherein said hinge control alsohas an end connected to said first hinge point of said two mountingmembers, wherein when said control member slides in said sliding channeland is fixed to a predetermined location along said siding channel, acorresponding retaining angle between 0 and 180° for said two panels isprovided.
 29. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recitedin claim 5, further comprising a hinge support member pivotallyconnected to a hinge connection between said two panels of said panelframe, wherein a lever is provided between said first support member andsaid hinge support member arranged for locking said foldable panelarrangement in position when in said deployed state.
 30. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 29, whereinsaid hinge support member comprises a motorized threaded rod attached toone of said support members which is adjacent to the workpiece.
 31. Theside supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 5,further comprising a brace for retaining said foldable panel arrangementin said two states and at any angle between them, wherein said bracecomprises a first brace member rotatably connected to one of said slidearrangement and said support member, and a second brace, which is hingedwith said first brace member at a brace hinge point, rotatably connectedto a distal portion/edge of said panel frame.
 32. The side supportedfoldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 5, further comprising aretaining mechanism comprising a first fixing member and a second fixingmember respectively provided on said two panels of said panel frame,wherein said first fixing member and said second fixing member aredetachably coupled with each other in said deployed state.
 33. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid foldable panel arrangement is selected from a group consisting of afoldable bed, a foldable table, a foldable desk, a foldable chair, asolar panel, a wind barrier, a temporary bridge, and a display panel.34. A side supported foldable panel arrangement for mounting on aworkpiece, comprising: at least a panel frame pivotally and rotatablymounted to the workpiece, and at least a foldable support frame arrangedfor folding said panel frame between a stowed state in which said panelframe is folded to overlap with said foldable support frame and adeployed state in which is supported by said foldable support framewhich is supported by an environment supporting surface.
 35. The sidesupported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 34, whereinsaid foldable support frame comprises a plurality of support memberspivotally and rotatably connected to said panel frame, wherein saidplurality of support members are unfolded to support said panel frame insaid deployed state.
 36. The side supported foldable panel arrangement,as recited in claim 35, wherein said panel frame comprises two panels,which are a first panel and a second panel rotatably connected to saidfirst panel, respectively connected to said foldable support frame. 37.The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 36,wherein said supported member comprises a first support member,pivotally and rotatably connected to said first panel, a second supportmember, pivotally and rotatably connected to said second panel andspacedly aligned with said first support member, a third support memberhaving a first end pivotally and rotatably connected to said first paneland a to second end connected to said second support member via a firstslide arrangement, and a fourth support member having a first endpivotally and rotatably connected to said first panel and a second endconnected to said second support member via a second slide arrangement.38. The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim36, wherein a docking station is mounted on the workpiece at a heightthat is equal to the height of said first support member and the heightof said second support member, such that the upper end of said firstsupport member is selectively attached on said docking station forfixedly attaching said foldable panel arrangement on the workpiece. 39.The side supported foldable panel arrangement, as recited in claim 36,wherein a docking station is detachably mounted on said foldable panelarrangement, such that more and more foldable panel arrangements arestacked up together by said docking station.